Culture, customs, and traditions vary from one place to another and so is the dining etiquette of a place. From Europe and the Americas to the Middle East and South Asia, have a look at some of the interesting dos and don’ts binding the food culture of these regions.
Dining Etiquettes around the World
1.Europe:
- The UK
do’s$dont’s
To follow good table manners is an indispensable segment of the UK’s food tradition.
$No the slurping of soups as well as raising the soup bowls. While eating, be sure to maneuver the fork with your left hand and knife with your right.
$Avoid any kind of conversations when you chew or mouth is full.
Before start dining, you should wait until all the guests at your table have been served.
$Elbows should be kept off the table.
If peas to be smashed, do it with your fork’s back.$When invited to tea, wear a formal dress.
$Use of proper eating utensils is a must while dining, though you can use your hands for eating foods like sandwiches, fruits, chips, etc.
Tipping
- Tipping is encouraged if the service is satisfactory.
- No tipping in pubs.
- France
do’s$dont’s
Once you take your seat, spread your napkin on a lap while placing your hands on the table.
$Though your hands should be visible, don’t keep your elbows on the table.
Wait until the host says ‘Bon appetit’ to start eating.
$Be sure not to cut lettuce with your fork or knife. Instead, fold it with your fork.
A knife should be held in your right hand and fork in your left.
$Do not leave your plate unfinished.
Instead of biting from the whole piece of bread, tear it into a bite-sized piece before consuming it.$
Tipping
- Though not necessary, tipping is hugely appreciated.
- This is usually 1% to 5% of the meal price.
- Spain
do’s$dont’s
Your hands should be visible while eating. It is acceptable to place your wrist on the table’s edge.
$Do not start your meal until the host says ‘Buen apetito.’
Spanish consider bread as the third essential cutlery, after knife and fork.
$Even if you’re the first to finish the meal, do not move till the guest of honor does.
Tipping
- The practice of tipping is voluntary in Spain.
- A modest amount of 5% to 10% of the meal is offered as a tip.
2. North America
- Canada
do’s$dont’s
American-style table manner is followed in all regions except for Quebec, where it’s Continental style.
$Elbows should be kept off the table.
Start your meal when your host gives the first toast.
$It is polite to start the meal after the host begins.
Before you begin, make sure that everyone is served food and wine.$
Tipping
- 12% to 20% is usually given as a tip.
- US
do’s$dont’s
Start by unfolding the napkin placed on the table. Then lay it across your lap.
$Don’t start eating unless everyone at your table has been served.
The hostess usually gives the signal to start the dinner.
$It is impolite to talk when your mouth is full.
Though the handling of fork and knife is almost akin to Continental style, a fork is held like a pencil in American style dining.$
Tipping
- In the US, tipping is an integral part of food culture.
- 10% to 15% is given as a tip, if the meal is satisfactory.
- It may go up to 20% to 25% if the meal is outstanding.
3. South America
- Brazil
do’s$dont’s
Use flatware to eat everything, from pizza to fruits and vegetables.
$Be sure to keep your elbows away from the table.
Continental style dining etiquette is followed.
$It is not acceptable to consume drinks directly from a can or jug.
$Indulging in conversation when your mouth is full is considered rude.
Tipping
- A nominal 10% included as service fee in the bill amount, although it’s not mandatory to pay.
- Argentina
do’s$dont’s
Take your seat as directed by the host.$A definite no-no when it comes to placing your elbows on the table.
Begin your meal when the host says ‘iBuen Provecho.’
$Don’t switch fork and knife while eating.
Hands should be visible while eating.
$ Leaving a small amount of meal on your plate is considered a symbol of politeness.
Tipping
- The standard tip is generally 10% of the bill amount.
4. Asia
- India
do’s$dont’s
Indians traditionally sans the use of cutlery, as they believe food is divine and should be best enjoyed with hands.
$Do not let the outside of your hand or fingers stain while eating.
Thorough washing of hands is a must before eating.
$It is considered impolite to touch the food of others, so use forks and spoons in such circumstances.
Spoons can be used to intake watery items like soups as well as deals.
Tipping
- 10% to 20% of the bill amount is hugely appreciated.
- China
do’s$dont’s The use of chopstick is an inseparable part of the Chinese food culture.$Don’t use your chopsticks for stirring the food. An important characteristic of Chinese dining is to order an even number of foods.$A big no when it comes to licking chopsticks. $Don’t smoke when you dine.
Tipping
- Though not customary, 10% to 15% of the meal amount is expected.
- Japan
do’s$dont’s
An incredible characteristic of Japanese dining is to empty your plates.
$Do not start eating unless all at your table is served.
Before you pour your own drink, serve it to others at your table.$No burping or blowing your nose while eating.
$Do not point your chopsticks at other people during a conversation.
Tipping
- Tipping is acceptable. However, it should be placed within an envelope before handing it over.
5. Africa
- Egypt
do’s$dont’s
Eat with your right hand.$Do not begin your meal unless the oldest member at the table is served.
It is considered polite to leave a small quantity of food after you finish your eating.
$Do not expect alcohol or pork to be served.
Compliment the host at the end of the meal.$Do not use your left hand while eating.
Tipping
- 10% of the bill amount is acceptable as a tip.
